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I Thought China Was Behind America… Until I Saw How Fast Everything Is
Shenzhen China: High-Speed Rail and Palm Payment Revolution
I arrived in China expecting to see a country catching up to the West.
Instead, I found a level of speed, convenience, and technology that completely changed my perspective.
From paying with your palm in a convenience store to high-speed rail, cashless payments, and everyday innovations, this trip...
I arrived in China expecting to see a country catching up to the West. Instead, I found a level of speed, convenience, and technology that completely changed my perspective. From paying with your palm in a convenience store to high-speed rail, cashless payments, and everyday innovations, this trip challenged many of the assumptions I had before visiting. In this video, I explore modern China and share the experiences that made me realise I was wrong. May 2026 | Vlog 618 | Shenzhen, China 21/34 China Provinces When we finally started our adventure
This vlog shatters stereotypes as the traveler experiences China's futuristic efficiency firsthand. From palm payment in a convenience store to lightning-fast high-speed rail, every moment challenges preconceived notions. Shenzhen emerges as a hub of innovation, leaving the traveler in awe of how seamlessly technology integrates into daily life. A must-watch for anyone curious about modern China.
I arrived in China expecting to see a country catching up to the West. Instead, I found a level of speed, convenience, and technology that completely changed my perspective. From paying with your palm in a convenience store to high-speed rail, cashless payments, and everyday innovations, this trip challenged many of the assumptions I had before visiting. In this video, I explore modern China and share the experiences that made me realise I was wrong. May 2026 | Vlog 618 | Shenzhen, China 21/34 China Provinces When we finally started our adventure
Reanne and Ben, the travelers behind OTWD, set out to test whether China really is faster than the West. Their first stop is a convenience store where they pay with a simple palm scan, experiencing cashless payments that take seconds. Next, they order a taxi via Didi, which arrives in under two minutes for a 24‑km ride costing just £5. At the hotel, check‑in is lightning fast—no deposit required, and a robot delivers items to their room. They then hop on shared bikes linked to WeChat, paying only 3.5 yuan for a half‑hour ride through Shenzhen’s chaotic streets. A coffee shop called Mstand lets them order ahead, and they even order two pairs of earphones via Meituan, which arrive in six minutes. The metro is equally impressive: trains every minute during rush hour, with QR code entry and security checks that don’t slow things down. At Dongmen Pedestrian Street, they discover solar‑powered phone‑charging bollards and the first McDonald’s in mainland China. The highlight is dinner: three different food deliveries arrive in just 14 minutes, including hot noodles and ice cream, all for 22 yuan. Throughout the day, the pair marvel at the safety, efficiency, and sheer convenience—from not worrying about pickpockets to seeing a cleaning robot outside. Their conclusion: China’s infrastructure and tech have created a level of speed that makes the West feel sluggish.
In Shenzhen, Reanne and Ben discover a China that runs on speed and convenience. From palm payments to robot hotel services, 14-minute food deliveries, and streets where every shop is buzzing, they realize the country isn't catching up—it's already ahead. A mind‑opening look at daily life that challenges Western assumptions.
In Shenzhen, Reanne and Ben experience mind‑blowing speed: palm payments, robot hotels, and 14‑minute food delivery, challenging their assumptions about China.
Shenzhen Speed: Cashless Payments, Robot Hotels & Food Delivery
2:13 Use palm pay or facial recognition at convenience stores. It's faster than pulling out your phone—just scan and go.
3:06 Download Didi for taxis. In Shenzhen, a driver will be at your location within two minutes, even for long distances.
7:30 Hotel check-in is quick and deposit-free. Many hotels have robot delivery for items, so you don't need to leave your room.
12:44 Shared bikes are everywhere. Scan the QR code on the bike through WeChat—no separate app needed. Cost is about 3.5 yuan for 30 minutes.
12:55 Use Amap (like Google Maps) for navigation. It shows bike routes, walking paths, and metro options. Change the mode at the top.
20:30 Order food delivery late at night. Minimum orders are often 20 yuan, with free delivery. Meituan delivers in under 20 minutes.
19:04 In malls, check the basement floor for a huge selection of local restaurants. The food is often the best in the city.
3:47 When taking a taxi, always check the number plate. The last three digits are often the same as other cars, so double-check before getting in.
2:13 Use palm pay or facial recognition at convenience stores. It's faster than pulling out your phone—just scan and go.
3:06 Download Didi for taxis. In Shenzhen, a driver will be at your location within two minutes, even for long distances.
7:30 Hotel check-in is quick and deposit-free. Many hotels have robot delivery for items, so you don't need to leave your room.
12:44 Shared bikes are everywhere. Scan the QR code on the bike through WeChat—no separate app needed. Cost is about 3.5 yuan for 30 minutes.
12:55 Use Amap (like Google Maps) for navigation. It shows bike routes, walking paths, and metro options. Change the mode at the top.
20:30 Order food delivery late at night. Minimum orders are often 20 yuan, with free delivery. Meituan delivers in under 20 minutes.
19:04 In malls, check the basement floor for a huge selection of local restaurants. The food is often the best in the city.
3:47 When taking a taxi, always check the number plate. The last three digits are often the same as other cars, so double-check before getting in.
0:00 Introduction – safety and cheap prices
2:13 Cashless payment demo
5:10 High-speed rail network
7:30 Hotel robot check-in
12:44 Shared bikes and city ride
20:30 Earphone delivery test
35:05 Dongmen Pedestrian Street
38:04 Food delivery in 14 minutes
0:00 Introduction – safety and cheap prices
2:13 Cashless payment demo
5:10 High-speed rail network
7:30 Hotel robot check-in
12:44 Shared bikes and city ride
20:30 Earphone delivery test
35:05 Dongmen Pedestrian Street
38:04 Food delivery in 14 minutes
How do you use the shared bikes in China?
Just scan a QR code on the bike, it's linked to your WeChat. No separate app needed. It's all one system.
How fast is delivery in China?
So fast! I ordered earphones and they were delivered in about 6 minutes. The refund was instant too.
Is it safe to carry valuables in Shenzhen?
It's extremely safe. I don't worry about things getting taken out of my pockets like I do in London. Even kids ride the metro alone.
